What can we learn about justice from Moses' actions in Exodus 2:12? The Scene in Focus “Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” (Exodus 2:12) Immediate Observations • Moses witnesses injustice: an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave. • He acts decisively, even violently. • He checks for witnesses first, suggesting inner conflict. • He hides the body, revealing fear and awareness of wrongdoing. Lessons about the Nature of Justice • Justice stirs the heart to act—“deliver those being led away to death” (Proverbs 24:11). • Human justice, apart from God’s direction, can turn rash; Moses chooses vigilante action. • Concealment signals conscience; Romans 2:15 notes the law is written on hearts. God’s Standard versus Human Impulses • Scripture later forbids murder (Exodus 20:13). Moses’ killing shows that zeal without God’s timing or method misses the mark (James 1:20). • God still values deliverance: He will channel Moses’ passion into ordained leadership (Exodus 3:10). • Waiting for divine commissioning matters (Psalm 27:14). Practical Takeaways for Today • Sense of justice is God-given; nurture it. • Pair zeal with submission—seek God’s guidance before acting (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Injustices call for courage, but also for lawful, righteous means (Romans 13:1-4). • Past failures do not disqualify; God redeems zeal for His purposes (1 Timothy 1:12-14). Summary Truths • Justice originates in God’s character (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Human attempts apart from Him fall short. • God can transform flawed acts of justice into a life devoted to His righteous deliverance. |
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